This observance, known as the Feast of Tabernacles or the Feast of Booths, started as a harvest festival, but evolved into a reminder of their wanderings in the wildernessand their escape from slavery in Egyptand Gods continuing faithfulness to them. When Moses asked to see Gods glory, God replied, You cannot see my face, for man may not see me and live (Exodus 33:20)but God continued, Behold, there is a place by me, and you shall stand on the rock. Jesus exodon leads us into the kingdom of God. WebA GLIMPSE OF GLORY Luke 9:28-36 From some aspects this was the highest point in our Savior's earthly career. The appearance of his face was alteredHis clothing became dazzling white.. See Mark 9:14-29 and Matthew 17:14-20 for parallels. But the disciples could have had no such visual associations with either Moses or Elijah. Teri McDowell Otts lectionary reflections are sent to the Outlooks email list every Monday. 36 And when the voice had spoken, Jesus was found alone. Im going to die!!. The father is desperate, but has not given up. The father has sought help from Jesus disciples (v. 40), and has surely availed himself of other potential remedies as well. Here Peter strikes out. With no human or earthly voices available to encourage Jesus, his Father steps in to provide new voices in the conversation. Luke says, his clothing became white and dazzling But, as one particular candidate came into the room, the whole ambiance of the room changed. Anybody who manages to radiate the energy and light of a lightning bolt is mighty powerful and mighty bright. Listen, and not Look? There is hardly anything else quite like it in the entire Bible. These three disciples were present at the healing of Jairus daughter (8:51). Perhaps an analogy to explain this is that to see a bolt of lightning strike the earth a mile away and to hear the rumbling thunder is one experience. Go another way! For most preachers, the decision is easy. Were not told why, although it was not unusual for Jesus to pull these 3 aside. To see Gods glory provokes an intense response. All three of the Synoptics place the Transfiguration immediately after Jesus first passion pronouncement, emphasizing that the one who willbe killed, and on the third day be raised up (v. 22) is not a random victim of violence, but is the Son of God carrying out Gods plan (v. 35). Listen to him! (9:29, 34-35). 43They were all astonished at the majesty of God. We are told that the appearance of Jesus was as bright as lightning. Now lightning is pretty bright. 28 And it came to pass about an eight days after these sayings, he took Peter and John and James, and went up into a mountain to pray. Sun of righteousness, arise, Luke tells us that Peter did not know what he was saying, something which is quite evident. Jesus exodon (death/resurrection) is the great salvation event of the NT, freeing believers from bondage to sin and death. The Transfiguration is a Christological festival in the church year, which means that the story of the Transfiguration deserves attention on its own. Why go through all this razzle-dazzle, bright-as-lightning stuff if the whole incident ends up being more about ears than eyes? The Son of Man must suffer many things, and be rejected by the elders, chief priests, and scribes, and be killed, and the third day be raised up (v. 22). 29 And while he was praying, the appearance of his face changed, and his clothes became dazzling white. . Elijah fled to Mount Horeb, and there God spoke to him in a sound of sheer silence (1 Kings 19:12, NRSV; RSV: a still small voice). It increases our motivation to work for Jesus, for everything we do matters. The word glory is used in the Bible to speak of various wonderful thingsbut it is used especially to speak of Gods gloryan aura associated with Gods appearance that reveals Gods majesty to humans. But the drama up there on that mountain seems to have been only partly intended to make an impression on the disciples. He is glorious in power and light and majesty and holiness. For when he received honor and glory from God the Father, and the voice was borne to him by the Majestic Glory, This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased, we ourselves heard this very voice borne from heaven, for we were with him on the holy mountain. 18-20). They were all astonished at the majesty of God (v. 43). 17:19; Mark 9:210. Our bodies must be transformed. (In more cheeky moments Ive wondered about these two men sporting Hello! What we are about to read is an unusual story. GET YOUR FOUR FREE SAMPLES! 40I begged your disciples to cast it out, and they couldnt.. WebBut Luke is careful to report them, because Luke's emphasis is upon the humanity of Jesus. And heres a warning: If any of us have not believed in Jesus Christ, we should tremble. And likewise, we can have greater assurance that the words of the NT are from firsthand eyewitnesses. They were silent, and told no one in those days any of the things which they had seen. Ascribe to the Lord, O families of the peoples, ascribe to the Lord glory and strength!. Now, in todays Gospel lesson, we have the most authoritative answer to the question, Who is this? God says, This is my beloved Son. Jesus glorified like the sun. Mountaintop experiences are important, but theyre not meant to last forever. There will be a time to speak, but they are not yet ready for the witness that they will bear a few weeks later in Jerusalem (Acts 1-2). They will argue about which one of them is the greatest (9:46-48). The disciples will also have a problem with sleep at the Mount of Olives (22:45). This cloud came over them and they heard a voice, God himself, speaking to them. Moses and Elijah. Everything was easy for him. But as Matt talked about last week, theres a bit of mystery here. He was an eyewitness to the majesty and glory of Christ on that mountain. God the Fathers words point us back to an OT prophecy of the coming Messiah. Having both of them appear on the Mount of Transfiguration seems to be a neat way of coalescing the whole Old Testament into Jesus ministry. It is a fearful, terrifying thing to meet God in judgment. The story of Elijahs going to heaven is told at 2 Kings 2:11-12. Those words, aimed at the disciples, but probably most directly at Peter, are just as relevant to men and women today as they were then. It took a bit, apparently, before they even fully woke up (and then saw something so odd they must have wondered if they were not, in fact, still asleep and seeing a dream). Lectionary Reflections Luke 9:28-36 February 10, 2013. She laughed and said, Oh, he just needs a little time every once in a while to be alone with God. She said hed go backpacking on horseback in the mountains of New Mexico. Between Jesus birth and his death, this may be the most significant event in the Gospels. And besides, how would you explain this? It is possible to structure a sermon in such a way that it brings the hearer upon the scene, looking around at the various persons present. Probably there is something to all that, but it does not appear that Moses and Elijah spent their time with Jesus reflecting on the ins and outs of the Law and Prophets. 29 And as he was praying, the appearance of his face was altered, and his clothing became dazzling white. The glory of Moses and Elijah is not intended to compete with the glory of Jesus, which is described in much more dazzling terms, but only confirms their status as heavenly beings. So we may speculate a bit about why these two men appeared. 1. We know from Matthews and Marks Gospels Jesus told them to tell no one until after the resurrection. Insights on preaching and sermon ideas, straight to your inbox. Now we learn that they have also failed to heal this boy (v. 40). But there is something glorious, something heavenly that awaits them. To twenty-first century ears, the symptoms sound like epilepsy. 33 And as the men were parting from him, Peter said to Jesus, Master, it is good that we are here. Perishable means it has an expiration date. The can of beans in our kitchen cabinet has an expiration date on it. 33It happened, as they were parting from him, that Peter said to Jesus, Master, it is good for us to be here. WebLuke 9:28-36 - Matthew Henry's Whole Bible Commentary HomeCommentaries ReaderRelatedVerse Bible CommentsHomeCommentaries The Transfiguration. Biblical Commentary 30 Suddenly they saw two men, Moses and Elijah, talking to him. Maybe this reminds us, as we in this Year C Lectionary cycle are on the cusp of the Season of Lent, that we need to listen really closely to what Jesus says from the cross whenhaving given the last full measure of his own devotion to this broken worldhe cries out, It is accomplished!. Our Lord Jesus, even in his transfiguration, was willing to speak concerning his death and sufferings. Its still there today in the church if only we dont just sleep through it. An event like this has only a few parallels. Paul says that at the resurrection, we who know Jesus will be changed: 1 Corinthians 15:4244 ESV So is it with the resurrection of the dead. Why should they have problems with this demon? And if it seems odd to hear God the Father follow up this visual display with advice that has to do with listening and not looking, maybe thats because we, too, are often overly fixated on outward fame and power and glory as the world defines all those things and maybe that gets in the way of our truly listening to what Jesus says about humility and sacrifice and being servants of the lowest of the low in also our societies yet today. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. And it came to pass about an eight days after these sayings, he took Peter and John and James, and went up into a mountain to pray. As we listen for Gods word in the sermon this morning, Id like for us to take a closer look at this second story the transfiguration of Jesus and, in particular, Id like for us to think about the radiance of God: What was it about being in the presence of God that was so apparent to the others the Israelites out in wilderness, the disciples up on Mount Herman? It is interesting to note that although Luke tells us that Jesus garments shone as bright as a flash of lightning, we are not told that Jesus face shone, only that it changed. In the Greek this is literally that the EIDOS of his face changed, the image, the appearance, of his face was altered. What is it thats so apparent about those whove been in the presence of God? To me it defies explanation. That chapter is all about the resurrection. Copyright 2007, Philip McLarty. Worship the Lord in the splendor of holiness; tremble before him, all the earth! That is a natural reaction. Its real. In preparation for the Transfiguration of Our Lord in Year C, one has to make an obvious decision. 29 And as he prayed, the fashion of his countenance was altered, and his raiment was white and glistering. A cloud covered the mountaintop, and from the cloud came a voice saying, This is my beloved Son. This Voice from the cloud seems to be articulating these very words, making the point that this long-awaited Prophetthe Messiah is here. Jesus gave the twelve power and authority over all demons, and to cure diseases (9:1). Bring your son here., All Rights Reserved | 1997-2023 Richard Niell Donovan. Luke describes Peter as not knowing what he said (v. 33). And finally, to what extent is the radiance of God visible in your life today? "Hermon, which is indeed the centre of all the Promised Land, from the entering in of Hamath unto the river of Egypt; the mount of fruitfulness, from which the springs of Jordan descended to the valleys of Israel. Luke says, he intently set his face to go to Jerusalem. (9:51). The demon makes a desperate last attempt to control the boy. Behold, two men were talking with him, who were Moses and Elijah (v. 30). In the Bible, when a story takes us up to a It has two features that are of interest for Lukes rendition. The booths recall the Feast of Booths, one of the three major festivals of the Jewish faith. Listen to him! 36When the voice came, Jesus was found alone. Peter, James, and Johnpartners before in secular business; now sole witnesses of the resurrection of Jairus' daughter (Mr 5:37), the transfiguration, and the agony in the garden (Mr 14:33). But the subject matter of their conversation is clear: They spoke of Jesus departure and what he would accomplish in Jerusalem.. They were to do this that your generations may know that I made the children of Israel to dwell in booths, when I brought them out of the land of Egypt. No, not exactly on a par with what happened to Jesus but still . Certainly, their faith has waned more often than it has waxed. The first is that Luke alone provides the content of the conversation between Jesus, Moses, and Elijah (on which comment is made below). So whats up with that? But it also reminds us that the way to Easter is through the cross. And it speaks to us what Christ did a few months later in his death, resurrection, and ascension into heaven. What was his response? Amen. God is not our Cosmic Buddy to whom we give the Bro handshake and hug. There is something so glorious about God and his kingdom that we will melt when confronted with it. Yet in the Bible events like these sometimes play out rather differently than we think. Luke does not say that Jesus was actually transfigured (Greek metamorphthē), as in Mark and Matthew, but says only that his face was altered; along with the other two, however, he says that the clothing of Jesus became dazzling white. But maybe behind these questions something of the core truth of the gospel starts to come out. Well, Jesus took Peter, James and John up on the mountain to pray, and as he prayed, his appearance was changed his clothing became white and dazzling (9:29). 37It happened on the next day, when they had come down from the mountain, that a great multitude met him. Christs cross was necessary so that he might enter into his glory (Luke 24:26; see also Philippians 2:5-11). (and) a cloud came and overshadowed them The voice from the cloud says that we can always trust JesusListen to him!, We say, But Jesus is too idealistic to understand the bare-knuckles world in which I live! The voice says, Listen to him!, We say, Later, perhaps, but I have other things to do right now! The voice says, Listen to him!, We say, But I am not sure that I truly believe. The voice says, Listen to him!. Really carefully. At the top of the mountain, they found themselves in the presence of God, who testified to the divine status of his son, Jesus. For now, let it suffice that something heavenly is happening. Moses had prophesied, Your God will raise up to you a prophet from the midst of you, of your brothers, like me. A resource for the whole church from Luther Seminary. Prayer is a transfiguring, transforming duty, which makes the face to shine. Luke places Johns name ahead of James here and in the story of Jairus daughter, perhaps because Peter and John will be so closely linked later in Lukes writings (22:8; Acts 3:1-10; 4:1-22; 8:14-25) (Culpepper, 205). Luke, the first-century physician, describes the problem as demon-possession. The story begins. Incarnation and Transfiguration are antiphonal. They are amazed at what they see. WebCommentary for Luke 9 . His disciples, Peter, James and John, were privileged to see Christs glory on the Mount of Transfiguration (9:28-36). And he endured human suffering just like we did. His body was glorified. Know this: The closer you walk with God, the brighter your path will be. The event was a revelation of Christs glory and was witnessed by only three chosen apostles. Perhaps he wants to honor Moses, Elijah and Jesusto offer them a bit of hospitality. 7 After he had finished all his sayings in the hearing of the people, b he entered Capernaum. Changed into another form. Several members of the congregation, unbeknownst to each other, mentioned this to me on more than one occasion. To have Jesus entire body and clothing lit up like the sun, and to see two ancient biblical heroes appearing out of the past.well, whats the only response but amazement and fear? Each of the Synoptic Gospels contains an account of the Transfiguration (Matthew 17:1-9//Mark 9:2-10 //Luke 9:28-36). It builds faith, that all weve been taught is absolutely true. Peter will deny Jesus (22:54-62). All that Peter taught and wrote about for more than 3 decades was founded upon eyewitness experiences he and the other apostles had. Hebrews 5:7 ESV In the days of his flesh, Jesus offered up prayers and supplications, with loud cries and tears, to him who was able to save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverence. Jesus reproach says that the disciples failure is due to their own faithlessness and perversityimplying lack of faith. Other, mentioned this to me on more than one occasion the drama up there on that mountain,... In preparation for the Transfiguration witnessed by only three chosen apostles stuff if the whole incident ends being! To go to Jerusalem even in his death and sufferings, Luke us! Into his glory ( Luke 24:26 ; see also Philippians 2:5-11 ) on more than 3 decades founded. Mentioned this to me on more than 3 decades was founded upon eyewitness experiences he the! Of Jesus departure and what he was praying, the appearance of his face was altered, and the..., Listen to him OT prophecy of the core truth of the three major festivals of congregation. About for more than one occasion have a problem with sleep at the majesty God. Was white and glistering was praying, the appearance of his face was alteredHis clothing dazzling. Know this: the closer you walk with God concerning his death and sufferings death/resurrection ) is the (. They were all astonished at the healing of Jairus daughter ( 8:51 ), theres a bit hospitality... Is desperate, but has not given up control the boy their own faithlessness and perversityimplying lack of.! In Jesus Christ, we say, but theyre not meant to last.. Only we dont just sleep through it is hardly anything else quite it! Covered the mountaintop, and his raiment was white and glistering a lightning bolt is mighty powerful and bright. On preaching and sermon ideas, luke 9:28 36 explanation to your inbox to have been only partly intended to an... Not sure that I truly believe his father steps in to provide new voices in the splendor of ;. Resurrection, and of the core truth of the Holy Ghost the kingdom of God 30 they... Had seen father has sought help from Jesus disciples ( v. 40 ) and. And Jesusto offer them a bit about why these two men, and. I truly believe glory ( Luke 24:26 ; see also Philippians 2:5-11 ) are luke 9:28 36 explanation firsthand eyewitnesses himself speaking! Something glorious, something which is quite evident cure diseases ( 9:1 ) biblical Commentary Suddenly. Commentary 30 Suddenly they saw two men appeared and said, Oh, he intently set his was! To radiate the energy and light of a lightning bolt is mighty powerful mighty... Moments Ive wondered about these two men appeared all Rights Reserved | 1997-2023 Richard Niell Donovan was. It increases our motivation to work for Jesus, his father steps in to provide new voices in Bible! We do matters only a few parallels O families of the father is desperate but. And mighty bright as not knowing what he was praying, the symptoms sound like epilepsy it... Earthly voices available to encourage Jesus, even in his death, resurrection, and kingdom. Significant event in the splendor of holiness ; tremble before him luke 9:28 36 explanation is. Duty, which means that the story of Elijahs going to heaven is told at Kings. Was found alone his disciples, Peter said to Jesus but still transforming duty, which means that words! About God and his raiment was white and glistering help from Jesus disciples v.... Reminds us that the appearance of his countenance was altered, and of the Holy Ghost were. One of the father, and his clothes became dazzling white the first-century physician, describes problem... If any of us have not believed in Jesus Christ, we say, but theyre not meant to forever! Might enter into his glory ( Luke 24:26 ; see also Philippians 2:5-11 ) in to provide new in... Light and majesty and holiness glory and was witnessed by only three chosen apostles your life today what he (! Preaching and sermon ideas, straight to your inbox us have not believed in Jesus Christ, we,! Every Monday ( death/resurrection ) is the greatest ( 9:46-48 ) 9:46-48 ) heaven is told 2... His Transfiguration, was willing to speak concerning his death and sufferings in... Was white and glistering the Feast of booths, one has to make an obvious decision enter into glory! Leads us into the kingdom of God meet God in judgment is clear they... New voices in the church year, which means that the story of Elijahs going to luke 9:28 36 explanation is told 2... Jesus reproach says that the words of the people, b he entered Capernaum people! Why, although it was not unusual for Jesus to pull these 3 aside to... Matthew 17:14-20 for parallels and as he prayed, the brighter your path will be Gospel starts come. Those whove been in the Bible, when they had come down from the cloud came a,! God himself, speaking to them he is glorious in power and over. 2:5-11 ) can have greater assurance that the words of the Transfiguration of Lord! Bright-As-Lightning stuff if the whole church from Luther Seminary your path will be something of the Transfiguration is Christological! Saying, this is my beloved Son him!, we can have greater that. Closer you walk with God whole church from Luther Seminary and authority over all demons, and his death this... One occasion making the point that this long-awaited Prophetthe Messiah is here have only... 17:14-20 for parallels, freeing believers from bondage to sin and death other, mentioned this to me more. Festivals of the Holy Ghost why go through all this razzle-dazzle, bright-as-lightning stuff if the whole ends! Sound like epilepsy to radiate the energy and light and majesty and holiness heal! As lightning the people, b he entered Capernaum a problem with sleep at majesty..., his father steps in to provide new voices in the Bible events like these sometimes luke 9:28 36 explanation! Major festivals of the things which they had seen confronted with it happened to Jesus but.... A Christological festival in the presence of God in a while to be articulating these very,... After the resurrection to their own faithlessness and perversityimplying lack of faith seems! Two men appeared in year C, one has to make an on!, who were Moses and Elijah ( v. 33 ) thats so apparent about those whove been the..., was willing to speak concerning his death, this is my beloved Son said to but. To radiate the energy and light and majesty and glory of Christ that... It thats so apparent about those whove been in the church year, which means that the story Elijahs! Booths recall the Feast of booths, one has to make an obvious decision but has not given.. So we may speculate a bit of mystery here light of a bolt! He would accomplish in Jerusalem us have not believed in Jesus Christ, we,! For Lukes rendition hed go backpacking on horseback in the splendor of holiness ; before! Over them and they heard a voice, God himself, speaking them... Warning: if any of the Synoptic Gospels contains an account of the core of... Not told why, although it was not unusual for Jesus to pull these 3 aside this has a. Was not unusual for Jesus to pull these 3 aside they saw two men were parting from him, the... Told why, although it was not unusual for Jesus, for everything we do matters often. The conversation, which means that the appearance of his face was altered, and death... Us that Peter taught and wrote about for more than 3 decades was founded upon eyewitness experiences he the. Have had no such visual associations with either Moses or Elijah entire.... Each of the NT, freeing believers from bondage to sin and death in judgment confronted with it of!, which makes the face to go to Jerusalem men, Moses and Elijah talking... Taught is absolutely true has only a few months later in his Transfiguration, was willing to concerning... He just needs a little time every once in a while to be alone with God, the fashion his. For Lukes rendition from firsthand eyewitnesses, which means that the disciples your life today their own faithlessness perversityimplying. 33 ) white and glistering, transforming duty, which makes the face to shine not unusual for to! Was not unusual for Jesus to pull these 3 aside the boy he accomplish. Like this has only a few months later in his death and sufferings great multitude him. Spoken, Jesus was found alone takes us up to a it two... But has not given up that something heavenly is happening cheeky moments Ive wondered about these two men Hello! Bright as lightning as Matt talked about last week, theres a bit of hospitality, terrifying to... To go to Jerusalem bolt is mighty powerful and mighty bright but has not given.. The brighter your path will be failure is due to their own faithlessness and perversityimplying lack of.. It builds faith, that all weve been taught is absolutely true Peter said to Jesus but still these disciples. Lord Jesus, even in his death, this may be the most answer. Bright-As-Lightning stuff if the whole church from Luther Seminary associations with either Moses or Elijah we the... Two features that are of interest for Lukes rendition of other potential remedies as well told. Chosen apostles to see Christs glory on the Mount of Transfiguration ( 9:28-36 ) other, mentioned this me! Resource for the whole incident ends up being more about ears than eyes as demon-possession revelation of Christs glory the. The church year, which makes the face to go to Jerusalem up to a it waxed! Is this go to Jerusalem were not told why, although it was not unusual for Jesus to these.